Real Reviews of the Best Streaming Platforms

Best Streaming Platforms

Why You Need A Streaming Platform:

According to the Nielsen Total Audience Report, 58.7 percent of U.S. homes, or 69.5 million households in all, now own at least one internet-enabled device capable of streaming to a TV. Streaming platforms have several benefits. The most obvious of these at the moment is being able to save money by cutting the cable subscription. Even live TV options are cheaper, and you can even share the cost of subscribing with friends and family, as well as cancel it at any time. A good streaming platform allows you to watch old shows and movies, which are no longer available on other media outlets.

Having to pay a high price for a subscription to watch a single channel or having to subscribe to different combos to gain access to what matters is not exactly pleasurable, mainly because much of the content bundled within the combos is usually of no interest the consumer. That is precisely why you need a good streaming platform. By bundling popular tv channels with unpopular channels, the cable company is able to sell this terrible content and guarantee themselves a steady inflow of money.

10 Things You Should Know Before You Buy a Streaming Platform

Streaming Boxes tend to be more Expensive than streaming sticks.

Both the Box and Stick require an HDMI port and USB port to connect to the TV.

Both connect through the Homes WiFi, but only the Box can use an Ethernet cable connected to a router to ensure you get the best video quality and uninterrupted streaming.

A streaming Box tends to be bigger in size when compared to the stick, making the stick easier to transport.

The Box allows for storing of information such as home passwords and photo’s.

Streaming Boxes have a higher processing speed making them faster to launch apps and search for shows.

Ultra HD 4K is only available by using the Box. The streaming sticks can’t stream tv at this level.

A Streaming Box is always plugged into the wall, so there is no need to reboot the device at startup. The stick gets its power from the tv, so when you turn your tv off, it cuts the power to the streaming stick.

Streaming Boxes have a much higher quality of remote. For example, Amazon’s Fire TV comes with the ability to voice search because it includes a built-in microphone.

Video game streaming is only available when using a Box. Streaming sticks don’t have the processing speeds to stream video games effectively.

Rated #1 Roku

User Reviews:

897

Average Rating:

9.4 / 10

Roku TV is one of the most popular and oldest streaming players out there. It’s very easy to set up and easy to use. Simply connect to your TV with the provided HDMI cable. Roku Express+ adds the option to connect via a composite cable which works with older TVs. They provide a simple to use remote and powerful feature called “Roku Search,” which allows you to find whatever you want to watch. Roku devices give you access to over 500,000 TV shows and movies with free and paid channels so that you can basically stream anything you want. You can watch live news, sports, videos, and TV shows for free on The Roku channel.

The Roku streaming player needs internet access to stream content. It uses wifi to connect to your home network, or you can choose a model that offers a wired Ethernet connector. All you have to do is create your Roku account so that your device can access entertainment with thousands of streaming channels. There are no monthly rental fees with Roku. You can simply add the payment method so that you can easily rent/buy movies-on-demand or subscribe to popular services like Netflix and Hulu.

Rafel W.

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I've been using Roku for years, and recently I've been really loving it. They started providing more channels, if you need to connect through wi-fi I suggest you get the Roku stick though because it has a stronger signal.

Editors Choice Amazon Fire TV Stick

User Reviews:

745

Average Rating:

9.2 / 10

Amazon Fire TV Stick is a streaming player, which means you can listen to music, watch videos, play games, and use any other apps from the internet on your TV. It comes with a remote control and batteries, USB cable and power adapter, a quick start guide, and short HDMI extender cable so that you can mount the stick behind your TV much easier. The Amazon Fire TV Stick, just like Roku, requires an internet connection so that you can connect to WiFi.

Every Fire TV Stick comes with a Bluetooth remote so that you’ll always be able to control your TV even if you are not in the same room. It comes with a built-in Alexa voice so that you can launch any content you want by saying, “play The Walking Dead.” The cost of this device is only $39.99. The basic model serves up 1080p HD streaming, and it’s the size of the standard USB drive flash drive. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is slightly less expensive than Roku’s $49.99 streaming stick and comes with Alexa voice remote. Currently, Roku offers more streaming channels than Amazon, 30,000 to Amazon’s 15,000.

Carol F.

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I love the fire stick!! My son got me one and I didn't use it for months because I thought it would be hard to set up. But it so easy to set up and use, and theres a ton of free movies and shows you can watch whenever you want.

Amazon Fire TV Cube

User Reviews:

658

Average Rating:

9.3 / 10

Amazon Fire TV Cube is hands-free and comes with Alexa built-in. This streaming player allows you to control your entire room with the use of this one device. All you need to do is ask Alexa to turn on the TV, dim the lights, and play your show. With the Fire TV Cube, you gain instant access to 4k ultra high content. You also get Dolby Vision and HDR, HDR10+. Like most devices, the Fire TV Cube is easy to install. Just place the Cube next to the TV, connect it via the HDMI cables and follow the onscreen prompts to set up. If HD streaming is a must, the Cube comes with an Ethernet cable to ensure there are no interruptions or buffering. With the use of the Fire TV Cube, you have command of not only the television but also every Alexa controlled product in your home.

So if you are one of the many people out there that do not want to keep spending money on their cable TV, or are just simply tired of commercials, I’d highly recommend investing in streaming platform. Depending on what your particular needs and wants are, you will surely be able to use one of these devices to, once and for all, leave the cable company behind.

Lou T.

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I've given up on cable, I can't understand why anyone would still pay for it. The Amazon Fire TV Cube is well worth it's value. It's super easy to set up, and you get a ton of free channels and movies to watch.

Android 9.0

User Reviews:

548

Average Rating:

8.8 / 10

If you already live in the Android world, then Android 9.0 is the streaming platform for you. The Android 9.0 comes with an updated Android 9.0 OS. The Android tv box provides a 4GB RAM 32GB ROM and 64 bit CPU, which supports run fast and stable operation, avoiding crashes caused by insufficient memory. If need be, you can also add an external Hard Drive to expand storage. The Android tv box is equipped with a 3.0 USB, which allows you to transfer large capacity files, videos at storage rates defined by storage devices, and optimize the machine to reduce energy consumption. One nice feature not seen in other platforms is the ability to connect external devices via Bluetooth.

Connecting the device is simple and easy and can be made through WiFi. If needed, an Ethernet cable can be used to strengthen the signal and ensure high-quality streaming. Android 9.0 really is a plug and play device, and since they provide 12-month support, any issues that may occur can be handled by one of their experts.

Android Tv is capable of streaming all your 4k resolution content. If you’re looking for a 4K streamer with a few future-facing technologies, a deep-rooted connection to all of your devices, and a decent app selection, it might just be the perfect streamer for you.

Georgina T.

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The Android 9.0 is the best alternative if you don't want to get Amazon Fire TV, or Apply TV, or Roku. Seriously stop wasting money on cable.

I'm Thomas Clarke a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience working in the field of journalism. From the early days of elementary school, I knew writing was something I was passionate about. With my B.S in Journalism from the University of Maryland, I have been able to write about some of the most breathtaking experiences. Doing what you love and enjoying the moment is what makes life worth living.